Photo
1: Roosevelt Elk grazing at th edge of a clear cut in spring
un the Memekay River valley.

Roosevelt
Elk: Cervus canadensis roosevelti

Roosevelt
Elk, which are also known as Wapiti, are the largest member of the ungulate family,
even larger than the Rocky Mountain Elk found on the mainland. Roosevelt
Elk can be found in great herds on Vancouver Island and in parts
of the United States. Three small herds have also been transplanted
to the mainland of British Columbia from Vancouver Island herds.
A distinguishing feature of Roosevelt Elk is the large white-tan
patch on their rump.

Calves
are born in May and June. The mother (called a cow) usually leaves
the herd to give birth in isolation. Around four weeks later, she
will return to the herd with her calf. The rut begins in the
early fall with the bull 'bugling' his presence to the cows. Although
a herd may have several bulls, there is a dominant bull that
will defend his harem against challengers. A challenge usually involves
a clashing of antlers. If a young bull challenges the dominant
bull and fails, he will be ousted from the herd.

Antlers
are shed and grown again each year. The new antlers are sport
a green velvety membrane, which dries up in the late summer. The
bull elk then rub their antlers to get rid of this old membrane.
First year males will have a spike. Second year males typically
have a 'raghorn' with three to six points. Third year males typically
have six points per antler and will often retain this throughout
their life, only adding weight and girth.